New Builder

[nriddell]

Hey Guys,

As a future Cobra replica builder (most probably a Dax Tojeiro De Dion) I am looking to the people who have built there own cobra replicas and also people who are in the middle of a build.

What I want to know is what is the best way to build it ie. Rolling chasis or seperate parts, and what is included/exluded with both these methods. I also want to know what your prefered engines and transmissions are and how difficult it is to match engines with transmissions especially if opting for an American engine. (I was looking at this package - http://www.musclecarengines.com/Cobra_Chevy.htm (engine)
and transmission - http://www.musclecarengines.com/tko_transmission.htm).

It would also be useful to know how much needs to be ordered from the very confusing "Price list" shown on the Dax website (difference between the different packages (Module, LX) and what you actually need, and what you require from a donor car - if anything).

As I am looking to build a top end car with a decent engine and interior/finish etc. I would like to know what the total cost of the build would be, as I never trust the prices laid out by the kit car companies. If you could also provide me with your opinions on the service provided by Dax (or others) concerning assistance with build etc.

I realise there is a lot to answer here but I would realy appreciate it as it would hold me in good stead.

Thanks in advance.

[Martyn-ak427]

Hi,
Just thought id ask what has swayed to Dax? Have you considered other manufacturers?

Regards,
Martyn

[dave]

Hi nriddell.
welcome to the club.
I have built one or two Daxes over the years and a lot depends how much work you want to do. Refurbing Jag axles is a messy job at best and i prefer to leave that to someone else and concentrate on assembly but this does come at a cost (£££).
If you buy the LX pack (from memory) all you then need to complete a car is the Jaguar axles, Sierra steering column and your choice of engine and gearbox.
There are other goodied that you may wisdh to fit to the car that Dax sell but if you would like more info drop me an e-mail and I'll fill you in on what's what.

[plod]

Hi mate,welcome.


As above have you cehcked out other manufacturers? Clearly you have done some research with Dax.

I had my De dion built some years ago and Mr Brooks above built it bless him. Much depends on your budget and sorry to sound nosy but you want a top end car..?

I dont doubt the quality of Dax nor the way in which it was supplied supplied and built, but based purely on your quest for 'top end' have you carried out all the research you can?

Prior to my build, I had considered buying the whole kit in bulk in however it was supplied.

Good luck and regards..

[Andy S]

Welcome to the house of FUN.
First have you got thye time and space to build the chassis, if not go for the ready built option.
As for the rest its up to you, there are many alternatives and prices etc to be considered.
If you can get down to Stonleigh the weekend after next and check out all the major manufacturers before deciding on your final choice, you might just be surprised.
Also do lots and lots of research/ homework on the various manufacturers, especially on this site, the info will be invaluable to you as a prospective builder.

[nriddell]

Thanks a lot guys for your helpful info and pointers.

I decided on Dax after researching other companies (Pilgrim, Hallmark, B.R.A etc.) and also I am a regular buyer of Kitcar Magazine, where it got a shining report for quality. So yes, I have considered other manufacturers.

I am probably going to go for the Rolling chasis method as space may be an issue.

What I mean by a top end model is:
Instead of going for a base model Focus, I would go for the Ghia model.
In other words I want my car to have a good Cobra style engine, leather enterior etc. and in general an excellent finish. Not refering to Dax proividing me with a top end car.

Thanks again.

[JonnyT]

Hi, and welcome.

There are many questions that need answering, from the small ones (like chevy v ford) to the really big ones (like what colour!!). As already said come to Stoneleigh over the bank holiday weekend - you get to see lots of suppliera and also lots of other cars that give you a fair idea of what you like and what you don't like - there are so many options within the bracket 'excellent finish'.

As for price (don't tell my girlfriend) we budgeted on £30,000 and this is probably going to be just about doable, although we are going to run over a little. I do however think that we have skimped on nothing at that price - and been stung a few times for little bits, which mounts up over time.

Two points on the engine - first is do remember that if you are not planning on puts cats in the exhaust system you need to use an old block - pre 1975 (I think) is the best as no emissions test requirements.

Secondly if you are anywhere near Ashford, do visit British American Engines - from personal experience, what they don't know about engines seems not to be worth knowing and they are nice guys who will happily talk to you and answer any questions that you may have, even before you've suggested buying an engine from them - they can also sort out the transmission for you which if you are a novice like me was extremely valuable! If you want to be convinced of the whole project go down on a saturday when they have an engine on the test bed!!!

JMHO

[nriddell]

Thanks a lot mate,

Your information will prove to be very useful and I will check out that engine company you suggested. I myself was considering a budget of £30K so that is encouraging that the build will be possible and provide a high quality build.

Did you build a Dax?

Thanks

[JonnyT]

Still building the de-dion. Check out our website for some pics. Check back in a few days too as Simon is hopefully going to update the site soon. The current status is quite a way on from the pictures on the website.

[wilf]

Mr Riddell

You cannot decide on a supplier by research in books or here on the 'net.

Go visit them all, try their cars, talk to them. They are all different. Go to the Stoneleigh show over the May Bank Holiday weekend - introduce yourself to us. Look at our cars, look at the manufacturers cars etc. Visit the local meet in your area- introduce yourself to them.
Only when you have done that should you be canvassing further opinions or fine tuning your options here.

We have had enough trick questions from first time posters in the past - people with hidden agendas, we call them trolls. We don't know you, although we would like to get to know you and to help you.

Demonstrate your committment to this fine madness and maybe then you can pick our brains.